What Is The Police Code For Fire?

What is a code 4 fire?

When dispatched units radio in with “Code 4,” it means the initial responders have everything under control. No extra trucks, crews, or equipment should roll out. Think of it as a green light for everyone else to stand down. Most fire departments—including Los Angeles County Fire and FDNY—use Code 4 as their standard all-clear signal.

What’s a 10 88 in police code?

Officers hear this when they need to take up a specific location—like a traffic post, stakeout, or patrol sector. Some departments even pair it with “10-91” (animal complaint) to spell out the assignment. In California and Texas agencies, this code remains standard as of 2026, though many regions are shifting toward plain-language communication for better clarity.

What is a 922 police code?

You’ll often see this used when someone’s selling goods without a license or permit in a public space. Some departments add context by pairing it with “914” (concerned party notification) or “916” (officer with mids). While it’s not used everywhere, California and several Western states still rely on it as of 2026.

What is a 10 33 police code?

This is one of the most serious codes in police communications. It’s triggered when an officer is in danger, injured, or outnumbered. The alert goes out immediately, dispatching backup, tactical units, and sometimes even air support. Both the NYPD and LAPD use 10-33, though many agencies now prefer plain-language calls like “officer down” to avoid any confusion.

What does code 99 mean?

Hospitals announce this over their public address system to alert staff to respond immediately with a crash cart or defibrillator. In some regions, it also indicates a mass casualty incident. Check your local hospital’s emergency protocol, because variations exist—some use “Code Blue” instead.

What is a code 5 for firefighters?

It’s part of a standardized response scale: Code 1 is normal (no lights or sirens), Code 5 is moving with urgency, and Code 6 means “arrived on scene.” In the San Francisco Fire Department, this system keeps dispatchers and crews synchronized during responses. Some departments use numbers differently, so always confirm local standards.

What is a 187 police code?

It’s one of the most serious charges in U.S. law, referring to the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. The term dates back to the 1874 California Codes and remains in use nationwide in police reports and legal documents. In 2026, it’s still a primary charge in murder investigations across California and many other states.

What is a code 40?

Paramedics or EMTs use this when a patient is in critical condition and needs an intravenous line for fluids or medication. For example, in Boston EMS, Code 40 triggers a higher priority response than Code 50 (“basic transport”). Always verify local protocols, because codes vary by region.

What does a 10 5 mean?

Officers or dispatchers use this to pass information to another unit. Say Dispatch needs to let Officer Smith know a call’s been canceled—they’d say, “10-5 to Officer Smith: call canceled.” It’s a basic part of police radio etiquette, though many agencies are moving to clearer plain-language communication.

What is a 10 75 fire code?

In New York City, for example, it triggers a response of 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Rescue Company, and a Squad Company. The code is activated when the incident commander judges that a fire or emergency poses a significant threat. This standardized response ensures rapid deployment of resources to high-risk incidents.

What is a Code 3 ambulance?

It’s used when a patient’s condition is critical—such as cardiac arrest, severe trauma, or active labor complications. EMS protocols in states like California and Florida require Code 3 responses only when the benefits of speed outweigh the risks. Studies show Code 3 responses reduce response times by up to 40% in urban areas.

What is a 10 42 police code?

It’s also used during funeral services for officers killed in the line of duty. The LAPD, for example, uses 10-42 at roll call, shift changes, and memorials. Some departments now use plain language like “tour complete” to avoid confusion, but 10-42 remains standard in many regions as of 2026.

What is a code 33?

Officers use this during high-risk situations—like a pursuit, hostage scenario, or active shooter—when they need uninterrupted communication. The code stops non-essential radio chatter, letting dispatchers and units focus on the critical situation. Many departments still teach this code, though digital radio systems now allow selective channel clearing.

What does a 10 79 mean?

You’ll often hear this in traffic incidents or sudden deaths where a coroner’s presence is required. Say an officer arrives at a scene and finds a deceased person—they’ll transmit “10-79” to dispatch. Some departments also use it to indicate they’re “held up by” a suspect or situation (e.g., “10-79: held up by suspect at location”).

What does a 10 20 mean?

It started in the APCO 10-code system but spread to civilian use via CB radio culture. Truckers, off-roaders, and even hikers sometimes use “10-20” to ask, “Where are you?” In police work, it’s still used to request a unit’s position for coordination. The code is so ingrained that even apps like Zello and two-way radios use it for quick location checks.